Howl-O-Scream Haunts Busch Gardens Williamsburg

I's not really haunted. But if it's Sept.-Oct., you can be sure that the park's fall attraction is scaring up a storm. The park is open for this attraction weekends starting the second week in September and running through Oct. 28.

And as this is the 20th anniversary of this fall event at the park, they have even more scares, haunted houses, bars, and shows than ever (see below). Here are the basics:

The Count's Spooktacular: The park is open until 5 pm on operating weekends for roller coasters, attractions, and shows with a family-friendly fall festival theme.

The haunted aspect of the part is open weekends 6 pm to 10 pm or 11 pm (see the link below for exact hours). The evening entertainment is probably not appropriate for some children under 13.

TERROR-TORIES - They are bringing back several themed "Terror-tories" including Ripper Row (in England), Vampire Point (in Germany), Sideshow Square (in Festa Italia), and Axe Alley (in New France). New this year: Fool's Court (in France), and Garden of the Souls (in Italy).

HAUNTED HOUSES - Returning haunted houses include Circo Sinistro, Cornered, Lumberhacked, and Frost Bite, as well as three new houses: Demented Dimensions, Vault XX, and Dystopia.

BARS - Eat and drink if you dare with themed bars including:

Chaos Cocktails – Located near Fools' Court (France)

Cobblestone Ale & Spirits – Located in Ripper Row (England)

Inoculation Station – Located across from Abbeystone Theatre (Ireland)

Jack's Nightcap – Located in Vampire Point (Germany)

Last Call: XX – Located in front of Das Festhaus (Germany)

Nitro Freeze – Located at the entrance of Fool's Court (near Lorikeet Glen)

For the little ones, there's Halloween music, playgrounds, the usual kiddy rides, and the Sesame Street Forest of Fun located in England.

Personally, I wouldn't take little ones to such a scary place...especially with the new "minion hoards" potentially jumping out from every corner. I recommend that if you have little kids, leave the park by 6 pm to avoid the really scary stuff. But if you're willing to deal with their nightmares, be my guest!

Frightening Admission Rates

The Curse of DarKastle at Busch Gardens Williamsburg closed last year - will it be another haunted house this year?

Howl-O-Scream ticket prices and deals haven't been announced yet, but will likely be the following:

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Fall Fun Card (Sept. 15-Oct. 28)

Adult admission (ages 3 and up): $90. Children 2 and under are free.

If you want to go multiple times, it's worth it. The Fall Fun Card is good for unlimited admission Sept. 15-Oct.28. It does not include admission to Christmas Town and does not include parking (which is $18).

Adults can take advantage of this 50% off online deal for two dates: Oct. 18 or 25. You'll pay just $45 (doesn't include parking).

Busch Gardens + Colonial Williamsburg Bounce Ticket

Get unlimited visits to both sites for 7 consecutive days for $105 (ages 13+) or $87.50 (ages 6-12). Kids 5 and under are free if you buy an adult ticket. You must buy your ticket at the Busch Gardens website and tickets include free parking. Good mid-Sept. through Oct. 28 on regularly scheduled operating days.

Here's why it's a good deal: If you plan to visit the park more than once, but are willing to group your visits within a 7 day period (say, visit on a Saturday, and then again on the following Friday), then this is a better deal than the Fun Card. Why? For a bit more than a Fun Card, you'll get free parking (a savings of $21 over the two days), plus you'll get admission to Colonial Williamsburg (normally $42 or more).

Group Deal - Get tickets for just $58 when you purchase with a group of 15 or more in advance online at least two days in advance.

Active Duty Military/Veterans' Deal - Active duty military get complimentary admission and veterans get 50% off admission by going towww.wavesofhonor.com.

Discounts/coupon locations which worked in the past and MAY OR MAY NOT be offered again later this year(keep checking back for details!):

Subway Promo Code - Get $15 off single-day tickets when you use the promo code "BGWSUBWAY" online.

McDonald's Promo Code - Get $15 off single-day tickets when you use the promo code "BGWMCDONALDS" online.

Valpak Promo Code - Get $15 off single-day tickets when you use the promo code "BGWVALPAK" online.

Living Social Deal - In the past, they've run a promotion offering adult tickets for $36 and child tickets for $31, good for Fridays or Sundays in October. Deals like this can end at any time, so go to Living Social quickly if they offer a similar deal. You might keep watch on Groupon too.

Keep checking back for more coupon locations and promo codes! And for more theme park deals, travel discounts, and attractions reviews in Virginia, go to my Site Map.

For a really memorable experience, try these ticket options...

SOURCE: Brian Hammond on Flickr

2018 info is not out yet, so here are 2017 details and prices...

Howl-O-Scream All Access Insider

An additional $125 per person (yep, that's on top of admission and parking!) gives you what the park's site calls "all-access." It includes: backstage tour at a haunted house, dinner at a show, priority access for all haunted houses, reserved seating at two shows, and a make up session with a Busch Gardens makeup artist.

Howl-O-Scream Eerie Insider

For an additional $75 per person on top of admission and parking, you'll get what the park's website calls "...the best of Howl-O-Scream with no lines!"

It includes priority access to every haunted house at the park, plus reserved seating at two popular shows.

Quick Queue Passes

For an extra $40 per person (per visit!), a Quick Queue Unlimited Pass gives you unlimited priority access to all park rides and attractions. Too rich for you? Go for the regular Quick Queue pass for $20. You'll pay a bit less for a one-time priority access for each ride or attraction.

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